Profession: General and President of Chile
Biography: Carrera was the central leader in the Chilean War of Independence. While the Spanish reconquered Chile, he continued to agitate from Montevideo. While he returned to the struggle later, his small army was cut off and after a risky venture, he was betrayed and captured in Mendoza—subsequently being executed.
Of Basque descent, Carrera was born in Santiago; being sent to Spain after his schooling, where he joined the Spanish Army in 1808. In 1810, Carrera returned to Chile and became involved in politics.
He launched a coup d'état in 1811, alongside his brothers who were both military commanders. The Carrera brothers ruled Chile in a nationalistic manner, promoting Chilean identity; as opposed to those that had hopes for Latin American more akin to the United States.
Born: October 15, 1785
Birthplace: Santiago, Chile
Star Sign: Libra
Died: September 4, 1821 (aged 35)
Cause of Death: Hanged after a show trial
Historical Events
- 1811-11-15 José Miguel Carrera takes control of the Chilean government in a coup d’état becoming the country's first President
- 1814-10-01 Battle of Rancagua begins; Spanish army defeats rebel Chilean army, ending the Chilean Vieja
- 1821-09-04 Chilean independence figure José Miguel Carrera shot and killed after a show trial in Mendoza, Argentina
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